TRAVELING IN A WHEELCHAIR
For those of us in a wheelchair, simply navigating daily life presents challenges. Traveling with a disability can seem beyond challenging, to absolutely stressful. And frankly, without a sufficient amount of planning, it can be. The travel industry has evolved to provide many more accessible options than in years past. With over 37 million physically disabled Americans, it's no wonder they see the profit value in being more accommodating. Even so, it is necessary to plan ahead to determine a location and accommodations that will work best for you or your disabled traveling companion. Sites like disabledtravelers.com, TravelAbility, and abletotravel.org have a lot of useful information to help you plan the perfect trip. Vacationing is supposed to relieve stress, not cause more!
Transportation- Before deciding on a destination, make sure you look into all of your options. The easiest option is to pick locations where you can simply walk or roll to the various local attractions that you are interested in. If that's not possible, research other options like public transportation and taxis. If you'd prefer, you can rent an accessible vehicle through businesses like Accessible Vans of America and Wheelchair Getaways, if you are traveling within the US. Even many large rental companies like Hertz offer cars with hand controls. Traveling out of the US will require a lot more research. Don't forget to bring your parking placard with you!
Hotel- You are going to want to do a lot of research to find a hotel that best accommodates your needs. As a wheelchair user, I've learned that simply asking customer service if their hotel is wheelchair accessible is not good enough. How wide are the doors? Is there a roll-in shower? How high is the bed? How heavy is the room door? Are there stairs to get to the pool, beach, or other guest areas? You need to ask very specific questions. If you need to rearrange room furniture to get around more easily, go for it. Most hotels want to accommodate you.
Accessibility- Look into locations and the specific destinations you'd like to see. If you have help from a caregiver or family member your options increase exponentially. When I went to Fiji on my honeymoon, I knew I was attempting a trip to a location that didn't exactly cater to wheelchair users. But my husband Chris can literally pick me up, wheel me through rough terrain, and pop me over curbs. I found the staff to be the most helpful group of people I'd ever encountered! They helped carry me on and off of boats and even wheeled me over the cobblestones when Chris was on a snorkeling excursion. If you are looking to be independent while exploring a town, then you are going to want to look into each specific attraction, restaurant, or recreational facility that you plan to visit. Cruises are often the go-to plan for people with disabilities. The ships are very accessible and it is often very easy to exit the ship when they port at a destination. Again, just clearly and specifically communicate your needs.
Packing- I was never much of a list maker before my injury, but with so many things to pack that influence my health and well-being, I make sure not to take any chances. There are two things that I depend on: my medication and my leg and overnight drainage bags that I use with my supra pubic catheter. I literally can't function without these things. I also put these items in a carry-on just in case my luggage is lost. It's ok to over-pack medical supplies in case of an emergency. I also pack my medical necessities in their own bag. Remember, if you are flying you shouldn't have to pay to check any medical items, so make sure that the bag check personnel are aware of this
The Plane- This is where I encounter most of my problems during travel. Many times, the airline staff are oblivious to the various protocols associated with boarding a passenger with a disability. When you arrive at the gate, make sure to check in with the staff to let them know what your needs are. If you need an aisle chair, make sure they are aware well in advance of the boarding time. When you have a layover, keep in mind that you will need to gate check your wheelchair so that it is waiting for you when you land at your layover destination. For those who use a power chair, unplug the battery, put it in neutral and remove the joystick if you can. Also, inquire about seat options. I always let them know that I’d prefer a seat closer to the front of the plane because sometimes they are able to accommodate that request. I like the window seat so people don't have to climb over me. Remember, you should board first. If you use an aisle chair then you should be the very first person on that plane. No one wants to be carted down the aisle in front of other passengers.
Now you are all set! Don't ever think that travel isn't possible because of a disability. I was so nervous leaving my home and getting onto a plane for the first time after my injury, but I've had some amazing experiences in the years since. Do I miss anything? Absolutely. I miss being spontaneous, hiking, and jumping into the ocean. It's frustrating to see awesome deals on Groupon only to find that there are no good options for me. But I've always loved traveling and I don't intend to stop now. So pack your bags and set out on your next adventure!
Meet Rachelle
Rachelle Friedman is a c6 quadriplegic who was paralyzed at her bachelorette party in 2010 during innocent horseplay by the pool. Her story went international and has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Vh1 and other various media outlets. Since then she has become a motivational speaker, blogger, and ambassador for the spinal cord injury community. Rachelle is currently writing a book due out in Spring of 2014. Visit http://rachellefriedman.com to read more about Rachelle's story and to connect with her on twitter on Facebook.
Here are my tips to help your next trip go as smoothly as possible:
